Virus-lockdown: Give Maha dues, grants, Dy CM tells PM Modi
According to an official statement, Pawar told ModiMaharashtra's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection plungedby Rs 27,000 crore during March and demanded that the state begiven its pending share of the tax from the Centre.
Pawar, also state finance minister, demanded thatMaharashtra be given Rs 10,000 crore in grants every monthover the next five months "considering the expected deficit inits revenue".
He said Maharashtra should get its GST share in timeevery month and pitched for increasing the financial deficitlimit up to five per cent to combat economic challenges.
The statement said Pawar assured Modi about thestate's trade, industrial and financial capabilities.
Pawar, a senior NCP leader, told the prime ministerthat Maharashtra possesses the strength to defeat coronavirus,but the state's economy has come to a standstill due to thelockdown announced on March 24, and the downward spiral isexpected to continue for a few more months.
Considering this fact, the Centre should pay the duegrants as per the formula decided without delay, the statementsaid.
Pawar said Maharashtra government has to spend Rs10,000 crore per month as salary to staff, Rs 3,000 crore onpensions, Rs 7,000 crore on payment of interest on loans andRs 3,000 crore on implementing prioritised social schemes.
"Maharashtra has to spend a lot on steps taken tocombat coronavirus. Development schemes also need to beimplemented simultaneously. It has become difficult forMaharashtra to discharge its key duties as it is not gettingdue funds from the Centre. The Centre should consider thesituation and cooperate," Pawar said in the letter. ENMBNM BNM